Smoking cessation systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A smoking cessation system of a vehicle includes: a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle; a virtual assistant module configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle based on the output of the microphone; and a smoking module configured to take at least one remedial action in response to the identification of a future smoking event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/067,933, filed on Aug. 20, 2020. The entire disclosure of the application referenced above is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vehicles and more particularly to systems and methods for stopping smoking by humans.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Humans smoke various different types of things, such as tobacco, marijuana, and other types of smoking products. Tobacco and marijuana can be smoked using various different types of smoking instruments, such as cigarettes, pipes, hookahs, etc.

Smoking has been shown to be bad for human health and increase a likelihood of humans suffering one or more diseases. Smoking by one human may also affect the health of other humans around the smoker. Smoking in vehicles may also cause one or more unpleasant smells within the vehicle. In shared vehicles, the smell of smoke may decrease a user experience.

SUMMARY

In a feature, a smoking cessation system of a vehicle includes: a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle; a virtual assistant module configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle based on the output of the microphone; and a smoking module configured to take at least one remedial action in response to the identification of a future smoking event.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined word.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to identify words spoken within the passenger cabin based on the output of the microphone and using a speech recognition algorithm.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined string of words.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined sound.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to identify words spoken within the passenger cabin based on the output of the microphone and using a sound recognition algorithm.

In further features, a window actuator module is configured to open a window of the vehicle in response to the identification of a future smoking event.

In further features, a blower module is configured to turn on a blower of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in response to the identification of a future smoking event.

In further features, an alert module is configured to display a visual alert on a display visible within the passenger cabin in response to the identification of a future smoking event.

In further features, an alert module is configured to output an audible alert via at least one speaker within the passenger cabin in response to the identification of a future smoking event.

In further features: an olfaction sensor is configured to measure an amount of a chemical present within the passenger cabin; and a comparison module configured to compare the amount with a predetermined amount and to indicate the occurrence of a present smoking event when the amount of the chemical is greater than the predetermined amount.

In a feature, a smoking cessation system includes: at least one of: (a) a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound present; and (b) a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver configured to output a present location; and a virtual assistant module configured to predict an occurrence of a future smoking event based on at least one of (a) the output of the microphone and (b) the present location.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined word.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined string of words.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined sound.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking event when the present location is at a predetermined location associated with smoking events.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking event when the present location is within a predetermined area associated with smoking events.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is configured to, in response to the prediction of the occurrence of a future smoking event, at least one of: output an audible alert to not smoke via one or more speakers; and output a visual alert to not smoke via a display.

In further features, the virtual assistant module is further configured to track a number of smoking events a user avoided conducting and to at least one of: audibly output the number of smoking events that the user avoided conducting via one or more speakers; and visually output the number of smoking events that the user avoided conducting via a display.

In further features: the smoking cessation system includes both: (a) a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound present; and (b) a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver configured to output a present location; and the virtual assistant module is configured to predict an occurrence of a future smoking event based on both (a) the output of the microphone and (b) the present location.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example vehicle system.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an example mobile device.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an example control system.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts depicting example methods of preventing smoking.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Smoking (e.g., tobacco, marijuana, etc.) in a passenger cabin of a vehicle may cause the passenger cabin to smell like smoke. In shared vehicles that are used to transport different passengers, smoking by a passenger at a first time in a vehicle may decrease a passenger's riding experience using the vehicle later. Smoking may also have one or more negative effects on health.

The present application involves systems and methods to prevent smoking and to help individuals stop smoking. For example, a microphone may be disposed within a passenger cabin and used to capture speech and sounds within the passenger cabin. One or more actions may be taken in an attempt to prevent smoking if one or more words, strings of words, or sounds indicative of upcoming smoking are captured using the microphone. As another example, a present location may be determined using a global positioning system (GPS). One or more actions may be taken in attempt to prevent smoking when the present location is at or within a predetermined distance of a predetermined location or area where a user typically smokes. The actions may help a user avoid smoking and decrease a number of smoking events.

FIG. 1 includes a functional block diagram including an example vehicle 5. The vehicle 5 includes a control module 8 and one or more olfaction sensors, such as olfaction sensor 10. Examples of olfaction sensors in vehicles include, for example, particulate matter sensors, carbon monoxide (or other carbon oxide) sensors, volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors, and other types of sensors. The vehicle 5 may include one or more different types of olfaction sensors.

The olfaction sensor(s) are each configured to measure an amount of one or more chemicals within a passenger cabin of the vehicle 5. For example, the vehicle 5 may include a particulate matter sensor configured to measure one or more amounts (e.g., concentrations or mass flow rates) of particulate of one or more different sizes in air within the passenger cabin. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 5 may include a carbon monoxide sensor configured to measure an amount (e.g., concentration) of carbon monoxide in air within the passenger cabin. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 5 may include a VOC sensor configured to measure an amount (e.g., concentration) of VOCs within the passenger cabin.

The control module 8 may receive the measurements from the olfaction sensor(s) and take one or more remedial actions based on the measurements. For example, when one or more amount of one or more chemicals (e.g., particulate, carbon monoxide, VOCs) measured by one or more olfaction sensors is/are greater than one or more respective predetermined amount/s (e.g., of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, or VOCs, respectively), the control module 8 may take one or more remedial actions. The predetermined amount/s is/are greater than zero.

For example, the control module 8 may open one or more windows 12 of the vehicle 5 when the amount of a chemical is greater than the predetermined amount. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may generate an alert within the vehicle 5 when the amount of a chemical is greater than the predetermined amount.

For example, the control module 8 may generate or display a visual alert, such as via a visual indicator 14 that is visible within the passenger cabin of the vehicle 5. The visual indicator 14 may be, for example, one or more indicator lights, a display, or another suitable type of visual indicator. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may output an audible alert, such as via one or more speakers. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may output a tactile alert, such as via turning on one or more vibrating devices, such as located in one or more seats, in a steering wheel, or in another suitable location.

Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may turn on a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 16 of the vehicle 5 when the amount of a chemical is greater than the predetermined amount. The control module 8 may, for example, turn on a blower of the HVAC system 16 and control one or more actuators of the HVAC system 16 to take in fresh air from outside of the passenger cabin, circulate it inside of the passenger cabin, and lower one or more windows to expel the chemical(s) out of the passenger cabin.

Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may store an indicator in memory of the vehicle when the amount of a chemical is greater than the predetermined amount. The indicator may indicate that the amount of the chemical was greater than the predetermined amount. The control module 8 may also store a time stamp (e.g., including a date and a time of the occurrence) with the indicator.

Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may transmit an indicator to a remote device 20, such as of a fleet operator, when the amount of a chemical is greater than the predetermined amount. The control module 8 may transmit the indicator via one or more communication networks, such as a cellular communication network, a satellite communication network, a Wi-Fi communication network, or another suitable type of communication network.

The olfaction sensor 10 may be implemented within the HVAC system 16 (e.g., within a duct of the HVAC system 16) or in another location within the passenger cabin of the vehicle 5.

The vehicle 5 may include a virtual assistant module 18. The virtual assistant module 18 may perform speech recognition and identify words audible within the passenger cabin (e.g., spoken by a vehicle occupant). The virtual assistant module 18 may also perform sound recognition and identify sounds that occur within the passenger cabin. In various implementations, the virtual assistant module 18 may transmit sounds and speech (e.g., .wav files or of another suitable file type) wirelessly to a remote device, and sound and speech recognition may be performed by the remote device. The virtual assistant module 18 may transmit sounds and speech via one or more communication networks, such as a cellular communication network, a satellite communication network, a Wi-Fi communication network, or another suitable type of communication network. The remote device may transmit text indicative of spoken words (of speech) or indicators of sounds back to the virtual assistant module 18.

Vehicle occupants may ask other vehicle occupants if they would like to smoke (e.g., a cigarette or marijuana) before or while smoking. Vehicle occupants may additionally or alternatively make one or more sounds indicative of smoking occurring or about to occur.

The smell of smoke may remain within a vehicle and may decrease the experiences of future users of the vehicle, such as in the example of autonomous (e.g., fleet) vehicles used to provide ride sharing to many different people.

The vehicle 5 may include one or more microphones, such as microphone 22. The control module 8 or another module of the vehicle (e.g., of an infotainment system) may include the virtual assistant module 18. The microphone(s) output signals based on sound within the passenger cabin of the vehicle, such as sounds made by occupants/passengers of the vehicle 5.

The virtual assistant module 18 is configured to identify words audible within the passenger cabin (e.g., spoken by a vehicle occupant/passenger) captured via the microphone 22. The virtual assistant module 18 may identify words, for example, using a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm, an automatic speech recognition (ASR) algorithm, or another suitable type of speech recognition algorithm.

The virtual assistant module 18 may also perform sound recognition and identify sounds that occur within the passenger cabin captured via the microphone 22. The virtual assistant module 18 may recognize sounds using a sound recognition algorithm or in another suitable manner.

The control module 8 may take one or more actions when words (identified by the virtual assistant module 18) match one or more predetermined words or strings of words indicative of present smoking or upcoming smoking. Examples of predetermined strings of words include, but are not limited to, “do you have any cigarettes?”, “want a smoke”, “can I bum a square”, “can I bum a cig”, “I need my smokes”, “I need a cig”, etc. Other predetermined strings of words may also be stored. Examples of predetermined words include, but are not limited to, cig, cigarette, marijuana, pot, weed, smoke, etc.

The control module 8 may additionally or alternatively take one or more actions when one or more sounds (identified by the virtual assistant module 18) match one or more predetermined sounds (e.g., profiles). Examples of predetermined sounds include, but are not limited to, the spark of a lighter, the striking of a match, bubbling of a bong or hookah, etc.

Examples of the actions taken by the control module 8 when the word(s) or sound(s) match the predetermined word(s) or sound(s) include, but are not limited to, outputting an alert. For example, the control module 8 may output an audible alert via one or more speakers 24. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may output a visual alert via one or more displays 28. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 8 may output a tactile alert via one or more vibrating devices 32. The alert may prompt the smoker or potential smoker to stop smoking or not smoke. This may decrease smoking within the vehicle 5 before the time when the smoking would be detected via the olfaction sensor 10.

Other examples of the actions taken by the control module 8 when the word(s) or sound(s) match the predetermined word(s) or sound(s) are discussed above and include, but are not limited to, opening the windows 12, turning on the HVAC system 16, transmitting a notification to the remote device 20, etc.

In view of the above, the virtual assistant module 18 analyzes input from the microphone 22 to recognize the occurrence of a smoking event or a potential smoking event. The control module 8 then acts to deter the occupants from smoking or to stop smoking by outputting an alert and/or taking one or more other actions.

FIG. 2 includes a functional block diagram of an example mobile device 100, such as a cellular phone or a tablet device. In various implementations, the mobile device 100 may be included in a vehicle. Additionally or alternatively to the above, the mobile device 100 may include the virtual assistant module 18. The virtual assistant module 18 may monitor user activity and can predict when a user of the mobile device 100 will likely have or is having a craving to smoke.

The mobile device 100 includes a display 104. The display 104 may be a touchscreen display in various implementations.

The mobile device 100 may include a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver module 108. The GPS transceiver module 108 may be configured to output a location (e.g., including a present longitudinal and latitudinal coordinate set) of the mobile device 100 based on signals from one or more satellites. The GPS transceiver module 108 may receive the location from one or more satellites or determine the location based on the signals from the one or more satellites.

The virtual assistant module 18 may predict that the user of the mobile device 100 will have or is having a craving to smoke when the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates is at or within a predetermined distance of predetermined location or area (e.g., defined in terms of latitude and longitude) where the user smokes, obtains smoking products (e.g., marijuana, tobacco, etc.), or is associated with smoking. Examples of predetermined locations or areas include designated smoking areas, smoking clubs, stores where smoking products are sold, etc.

The mobile device 100 may include one or more microphones, such as microphone 112. The microphone(s) output signals based on sound audible at the mobile device 100, such as sound made by the user of the mobile device 100 and words spoken by the user of the mobile device 100.

The virtual assistant module 18 is configured to identify words in the input from the microphone 112. The virtual assistant module 18 may identify words, for example, using an NLP algorithm, an ASR algorithm, or another suitable type of speed recognition algorithm.

The virtual assistant module 18 may also perform sound recognition and identify sounds that occur within the passenger cabin captured in input from the microphone 112. The virtual assistant module 18 may recognize sounds using a sound recognition algorithm or in another suitable manner.

The virtual assistant module 18 may predict that the user of the mobile device 100 will have or is having a craving to smoke when words identified match one or more predetermined words or strings of words indicative of smoking or an upcoming smoking event. Examples of predetermined strings of words include, but are not limited to, “wanna smoke”, “want to smoke”, “can I bum a square”, “can I bum a cig”, “I need my smokes”, “I need a cig”, etc. Other predetermined strings of words may also be stored. Examples of words include, but are not limited to, cig, cigarette, marijuana, pot, weed, smoke, etc.

The virtual assistant module 18 may predict that the user of the mobile device 100 will have or is having a craving to smoke when one or more sounds identified match one or more predetermined sounds (e.g., profiles). Examples of predetermined sounds include, but are not limited to, the spark of a lighter, the striking of a match, bubbling of a bong or hookah, inhale/exhale pattern associated with smoking, etc.

The virtual assistant module 18 may take one or more actions when it predicts that the user of the mobile device 100 will have or is having a craving to smoke. For example, taken by the virtual assistant module 18 include, but are not limited to, outputting an alert. For example, the virtual assistant module 18 may output an audible alert via one or more speakers 116. Additionally or alternatively, the virtual assistant module 18 may output a visual alert on the display 104. Additionally or alternatively, the virtual assistant module 18 may output a tactile alert via one or more vibrating devices 120.

The alert may prompt the smoker or potential smoker to not smoke. The virtual assistant module 18 may additionally or alternatively output a number of smoking events the user has conducted and/or avoided (e.g., in response to an alert). The number of smoking events conducted and/or avoided may provide the user with reinforcement regarding stopping smoking.

The virtual assistant module 18 may also track a progress of the user toward quitting smoking. For example, the virtual assistant module 18 may track a total number of smoking events conducted by the user during each predetermined period (e.g., month). At the end of a predetermined period, the virtual assistant module 18 may output (e.g., audibly and/or visibly) how many less smoking events were conducted during that predetermined period (e.g., month) than during the predetermined period (e.g., month) prior.

The virtual assistant module 18 may determine how many less smoking events were conducted within a predetermined period (e.g., month) by subtracting the number of smoking events conducted within that predetermined period (e.g., month) from the number of smoking events conducted within the last prior predetermined period (e.g., month).

The virtual assistant module 18 may also output other information, such as an amount of money saved via the lesser number of smoking events, an estimated increase in lifetime associated with the lesser number of smoking events, and/or motivational information. For example only, the virtual assistant module 18 may output “You smoked X less cigarettes this month than last. You saved approximately $Y, and added an estimated Z days to your lifetime. Keep it up!” X, Y, and Z are numbers. While an example output is provided, greater or lesser information, other information, or information in another suitable form may be provided.

The above may help prevent a smoker from smoking. The above may also help a smoker decrease their smoking over time. Additionally, the above may help to minimize a smell of smoke within a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an example implementation of a control system. As discussed above, one or more olfaction sensors may be included, such as at least one of a VOC sensor, a particulate matter sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor. The olfaction sensor 150 of FIG. 3 may be a VOC sensor, a particulate matter sensor, or a carbon monoxide sensor. In various implementations, the olfaction sensor 150 may include two or more of a VOC sensor, a particulate matter sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor.

A comparison module 504 compares a measurement from the olfaction sensor 150 with a predetermined value and generates an output signal based on the comparison. The measurement may be, for example, an amount of particulate, an amount of VOCs, or an amount of carbon monoxide. The comparison module 504 may set the output signal to the first state when the measurement is less than the predetermined value and set the output signal to a second state when the measurement is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In this manner, the output signal of the comparison module 504 indicates whether a smoking event is presently occurring within the vehicle.

The comparison module 504 may obtain the predetermined value from memory 508. The predetermined value is greater than zero and may be a fixed predetermined value. Alternatively, the predetermined value may be variable. For example, a baseline module 512 may determine a baseline value and set the predetermined value to the baseline value. The baseline module 512 may set the baseline value, for example, based or equal to an average of the measurements from the olfaction sensor 150 taken over a predetermined period, such as a week or a month. An average may be determined by summing the measurements and dividing by the number of measurements summed.

One or more remedial actions may be taken when the output signal of the comparison module 504 is in the second state. For example, a window actuator module 516 controls actuation (opening and closing) of one or more window actuators, such as window actuator 520, of the vehicle. The window actuator 520 opens (e.g., lowers) and closes (e.g., raises) a window of the vehicle. The window actuator module 516 may control one or more window actuators to open one, more than one, or all of the windows of the vehicle when the output signal of the comparison module 504 is in the second state. Opening the window(s) may include, for example, opening the window(s) to a partially open position further than the window(s) is/are presently open or opening the window(s) to a fully open position.

Additionally or alternatively, an alert module 524 may generate an alert (e.g., visually the visual indicator 14, audibly via one or more speakers, and/or haptically via one or more vibrating devices) when the output signal of the comparison module 504 is in the second state. Additionally or alternatively, a blower control module 528 may turn on a blower 532 of the HVAC system when the output signal of the comparison module 504 is in the second state.

Additionally or alternatively, a communication module 540 may wirelessly transmit an indicator to the remote device 20 via one or more antennas 544 when the output signal of the comparison module 504 is in the second state. Additionally or alternatively, a storage module 548 may store an indicator in the memory 508 when the output signal of the comparison module 504 is in the second state. The indicator may indicate that the amount of the chemical was greater than the predetermined value. The storage module 548 may also store a time stamp (e.g., including a date and a time of the occurrence) with the indicator. A clock 552 may track the date and time.

A recognition module 560 may perform speech recognition and identify words audible within the passenger cabin (e.g., spoken by a vehicle occupant). The recognition module 560 may also perform sound recognition and identify sounds that occur within the passenger cabin. In various implementations, the recognition module 560 may transmit sounds and speech (e.g., .wav files or of another suitable file type) wirelessly to a remote device, and sound and speech recognition may be performed by the remote device. The recognition module 560 may transmit the sound and/or speech via the communication module 540. The communication module 540 may wirelessly transmit, for example, using a WiFi (IEEE 802.11 based) communication protocol, a cellular communication protocol, a cellular communication protocol, or another suitable communication protocol. The remote device may transmit text indicative of spoken words (of speech) or indicators of sounds back to the recognition module 560. Speech recognition may be performed, for example, using a speech recognition algorithm.

A smoking module 564 may take one or more actions when words identified via the speech recognition match one or more predetermined words or strings of words indicative of present smoking or upcoming smoking. The predetermined words or strings of words may be stored in the memory 508. Examples of predetermined strings of words include, but are not limited to, “wanna smoke”, “want to smoke”, “can I bum a square”, “can I bum a cig”, “I need my smokes”, “I need a cig”, etc. Other predetermined strings of words may also be stored. Examples of predetermined words include, but are not limited to, cig, cigarette, marijuana, pot, weed, smoke, etc.

The smoking module 564 may additionally or alternatively take one or more actions when one or more sounds (identified by the virtual assistant module 18) match one or more predetermined sounds (e.g., profiles). Examples of predetermined sounds include, but are not limited to, the spark of a lighter, the striking of a match, bubbling of a bong or hookah, etc.

Examples of the actions taken by the smoking module 564 include, but are not limited to, outputting an alert. For example, the smoking module 564 may trigger or prompt (e.g., by setting a signal to a first state) the alert module 524 to output an audible alert via one or more speakers 24. Additionally or alternatively, the alert module 524 may output a visual alert via one or more displays 28. Additionally or alternatively, the alert module 524 may output a tactile alert via one or more vibrating devices 32. The alert may prompt the smoker or potential smoker to stop smoking or not smoke. This may decrease smoking within the vehicle 5 before the time when the smoking would be detected via the olfaction sensor 10.

Other examples of the actions taken by the smoking module 564 (e.g., by setting the signal to the first state) include, but are not limited to prompting the window actuator module 516 to open one or more of the windows 12 via the window actuator module 516, turning on the blower 532 of the HVAC system 16 via the blower control module 528, transmitting a notification to the remote device 20 via the communication module 540, etc.

The smoking module 564 may additionally or alternatively take one or more actions when the present location from the GPS transceiver module 108 is at or near one or more predetermined locations or areas. For example, the smoking module 564 may determine whether the present location is at or within a predetermined distance of one or more predetermined locations or predetermined areas associated with smoking events, such as designated smoking areas. When the present location is at or near one or more predetermined locations or areas, the smoking module 564 may prompt a display module 572 to display a visual indicator to not smoke on a display 576. Additionally or alternatively, the smoking module 564 may initiate one or more of the actions described herein.

FIG. 4 includes a flowchart depicting an example method of preventing smoking. Control begins with 604 where the virtual assistant module 18 receives the output of the microphone. At 608, the virtual assistant module 18 performs speech and/or sound recognition. Alternatively, the output of the microphone may be transmitted to a remote device for speech and/or sound recognition performance.

At 612, the virtual assistant module 18 determines whether a smoking event is impending, such as when one or more predetermined words were captured using the microphone or when one or more predetermined sounds were captured using the microphone. If 612 is true, the virtual assistant module 18 takes one or more actions at 616 to try to prevent smoking. If 612 is false, the virtual assistant module 18 may not take one or more actions. Examples of the actions include opening one or more windows, turning on the blower 532, outputting one or more alerts (e.g., visual, audible, haptic), etc. While the example of FIG. 4 is shown as ending, control may return to 604.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example method of preventing smoking. Control begins with 704 where the virtual assistant module 18 receives the present location from the GPS transceiver module 108. At 708, the virtual assistant module 18 determines whether the present location is at or near one or more predetermined locations or areas. For example, the virtual assistant module 18 may determine whether the present location is at or within a predetermined distance of one or more predetermined locations or predetermined areas associated with smoking events, such as designated smoking areas. If 708 is true, the virtual assistant module 18 takes one or more actions at 712 to try to prevent smoking. If 708 is false, the virtual assistant module 18 may not take one or more actions. Examples of the actions include opening one or more windows, turning on the blower 532, outputting one or more alerts (e.g., visual, audible, haptic), etc. While the example of FIG. 5 is shown as ending, control may return to 704.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

In this application, including the definitions below, the terms “module” and “system” may refer to, be part of, or include circuits or circuitry that may include processor hardware (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code and memory hardware (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor hardware. The code is configured to provide the features of the modules and systems described herein. In addition, in this application the terms “module” and “system” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “memory hardware” may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium, and may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium include nonvolatile memory, volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or rely on stored data. The computer programs may encompass a basic input/output system (BIOS) that interacts with hardware of the special purpose computer, device drivers that interact with particular devices of the special purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

The computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), hypertext markup language (HTML) or extensible markup language (XML); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. As examples only, source code may be written using syntax from languages including C, C++, C#, Objective C, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5, Ada, ASP (active server pages), PHP, Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, and Python®.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A smoking cessation system of a vehicle, comprising: a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle; a virtual assistant module configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle based on the output of the microphone; and a smoking module configured to take at least one remedial action in response to the identification of a future smoking event.
 2. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined word.
 3. The smoking cessation system of claim 2 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to identify words spoken within the passenger cabin based on the output of the microphone and using a speech recognition algorithm.
 4. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined string of words.
 5. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to identify a future smoking event within the passenger cabin of the vehicle when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined sound.
 6. The smoking cessation system of claim 5 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to identify words spoken within the passenger cabin based on the output of the microphone and using a sound recognition algorithm.
 7. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 further comprising a window actuator module configured to open a window of the vehicle in response to the identification of a future smoking event.
 8. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 further comprising a blower module configured to turn on a blower of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in response to the identification of a future smoking event.
 9. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 further comprising an alert module configured to display a visual alert on a display visible within the passenger cabin in response to the identification of a future smoking event.
 10. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 further comprising an alert module configured to output an audible alert via at least one speaker within the passenger cabin in response to the identification of a future smoking event.
 11. The smoking cessation system of claim 1 further comprising: an olfaction sensor configured to measure an amount of a chemical present within the passenger cabin; and a comparison module configured to compare the amount with a predetermined amount and to indicate the occurrence of a present smoking event when the amount of the chemical is greater than the predetermined amount.
 12. A smoking cessation system, comprising: at least one of: (a) a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound present; and (b) a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver configured to output a present location; and a virtual assistant module configured to predict an occurrence of a future smoking event based on at least one of (a) the output of the microphone and (b) the present location.
 13. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined word.
 14. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined string of words.
 15. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking when sound captured using the microphone includes a predetermined sound.
 16. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking event when the present location is at a predetermined location associated with smoking events.
 17. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to predict the occurrence of a future smoking event when the present location is within a predetermined area associated with smoking events.
 18. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is configured to, in response to the prediction of the occurrence of a future smoking event, at least one of: output an audible alert to not smoke via one or more speakers; and output a visual alert to not smoke via a display.
 19. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein the virtual assistant module is further configured to track a number of smoking events a user avoided conducting and to at least one of: audibly output the number of smoking events that the user avoided conducting via one or more speakers; and visually output the number of smoking events that the user avoided conducting via a display.
 20. The smoking cessation system of claim 12 wherein: the smoking cessation system includes both: (a) a microphone configured to generate an output based on sound present; and (b) a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver configured to output a present location; and the virtual assistant module is configured to predict an occurrence of a future smoking event based on both (a) the output of the microphone and (b) the present location. 